Samuel F. B. Morse, His Letters and Journals eBook

As soon as it was proved that it would be simpler
to use the letters of the alphabet in sending intelligence,
the first form of the alphabet was changed in the
manner shown in the preceding figure. Exactly
when this was done has not been recorded, but it was
after Vail’s association with Morse, and it
is quite possible that they worked over the problem
together, but there is no written proof of this, whereas
the accompanying reproduction of calculations in Morse’s
handwriting will prove that he gave himself seriously
to its consideration.

The large numbers represent the quantities of type
found in the type-cases of a printing-office; for,
after puzzling over the question of the relative frequency
of the occurrence of the different letters in the
written language, a visit to the printing-office easily
settled the matter.

This dispute, concerning the paternity of the alphabet,
lasting for many years after the death of both principals,
and regrettably creating much bad feeling, is typical
of many which arose in the case of the telegraph,
as well as in that of every other great invention,
and it may not be amiss at this point to introduce
the following fugitive note of Morse’s, which,
though evidently written many years later, is applicable
to this as well as to other cases:—­

“It is quite common to misapprehend the nature
and extent of an improvement without a thorough knowledge
of an original invention. A casual observer is
apt to confound the new and the old, and, in noting
a new arrangement, is often led to consider the whole
as new. It is, therefore, necessary to exercise
a proper discrimination lest injustice be done to
the various laborers in the same field of invention.
I trust it will not be deemed egotistical on my part
if, while conscious of the unfeigned desire to concede
to all who are attempting improvements in the art
of telegraphy that which belongs to them, I should
now and then recognize the familiar features of my
own offspring and claim their paternity.”

[Illustration: QUANTITIES OF THE TYPE FOUND IN
A PRINTING-OFFICE Calculation made by Morse to aid
him in simplifying alphabet]

CHAPTER XXIV

OCTOBER 3, 1837—­MAY 16, 1838

The Caveat.—­Work at Morristown.—­Judge
Vail.—­First success.—­Resolution
in Congress regarding telegraphs.—­Morse’s
reply.—­Illness.—­Heaviness of
first instruments.—­Successful exhibition
in Morristown.—­Exhibition in New York University.—­First
use of Morse alphabet.—­Change from first
form of alphabet to present form.—­Trials
of an inventor.—­Dr. Jackson.—­
Slight friction between Morse and Vail.—­Exhibition
at Franklin Institute, Philadelphia.—­Exhibitions
in Washington.—­Skepticism of public.—­F.O.J.
Smith,—­F.L. Pope’s estimate of
Smith.—­Proposal for government telegraph.—­Smith’s
report.—­Departure for Europe.